This book reminds me in some ways of The White City - instead of exploring the dark side of Chicago at the time of the World Exposition held there (a serial killer, for those who haven't read it) it explores the dark side of Paris when the World Expo was held there. I enjoy reading about the flip side of the coin, so to speak. Instead of the shiny face of progress that each city shows when the whole world is watching there is always a different view on the other side of the coin.